Zechariah 10:8
I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.
Original Language Analysis
אֶשְׁרְקָ֥ה
I will hiss
H8319
אֶשְׁרְקָ֥ה
I will hiss
Strong's:
H8319
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פְדִיתִ֑ים
them for I have redeemed
H6299
פְדִיתִ֑ים
them for I have redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
5 of 8
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
Cross References
Isaiah 5:26And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:Isaiah 7:18And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.Jeremiah 33:22As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.Hosea 1:10Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.
Historical Context
The Jewish population had drastically declined through exile, warfare, assimilation. This promise assured them that despite present small numbers, God would restore them to covenant fruitfulness. Post-exilic growth was modest, but ultimate fulfillment involves the 'Israel of God'—all believers from every nation (Galatians 6:16).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's 'whistling' to gather His people teach about His initiative versus human effort in salvation?
- How does understanding redemption as accomplished past tense ('I have redeemed') strengthen faith for future promises?
- In what sense does the church experience this 'increase' as spiritual Israel today?
Analysis & Commentary
I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them (אֶשְׁרְקָה לָהֶם וַאֲקַבְּצֵם כִּי פְדִיתִים)—sharaq (whistle/hiss) is shepherd's call, also used of God summoning Assyria/Egypt as instruments (Isaiah 5:26, 7:18). Here God 'whistles' to regather His scattered flock. Padah (redeem) is covenant language, often used of Exodus redemption. Past redemption from Egypt grounds confidence in future regathering.
And they shall increase as they have increased (וְרָבוּ כְּמוֹ רָבוּ)—restored to former population/glory, reversing decimation of exile. This echoes Abrahamic promises of multiplication (Genesis 12:2, 15:5). God's purposes aren't thwarted by judgment; after discipline comes restoration. I have redeemed them uses perfect tense—accomplished fact, guaranteeing future fulfillment. This is prophetic certainty: what God purposes, He accomplishes.